INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION?
It is a non-profit Accident Benefit Association organized by Postal employees in 1891 and incorporated in 1898.

WHAT IS THE OBJECT OR PURPOSE OF THIS ASSOCIATION?
To make provision for the payment of benefits to its members and their beneficiaries in case of temporary disability, dismemberment or death resulting directly from a covered accident; independent and exclusive of other causes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PLAN?
The Advantage Plan pays $28 each day and the Value Plan pays $16 each day for disability from a covered accident for up to one full year. The above daily rates begin on the first day of disability and ends the day you return to work (any type duty) or date doctor releases you for work, whichever date occurs first. (Retirees are eligible for benefits if medical documentation is provided verifying the retiree is unable to perform normal activities or until date of release from doctor). Benefits are subject to the exceptions and reductions provisions listed in the Summary Plan Description (SPD).

IN CASE OF AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF DISABILITY, CAN A MEMBER RECEIVE BENEFITS BEFORE THEIR DISABILITY CEASES?
Yes - An Application for Benefits may be filed at any time during the member's disability and will be computed from the first day of disability through the date your doctor completes his/her section of the form or your doctors release to return to work date, whichever date occurs first. Each subsequent Application may be filed no sooner than every thirty days until claimant returns to work or date of doctor's release.

WHAT IS PAID FOR DEATH BENEFITS RESULTING FROM A COVERED ACCIDENT?
Value Plan pays $6,000 with the following exceptions: death resulting from a hernia $500; death resulting from fracture to the hip: $3,000.

Advantage Plan pays $24,000 with the following exceptions: death resulting from a hernia $800; death resulting from fracture to the hip: $3,000.

See the Summary Plan Description (SPD).

MUST DEATH BE "IMMEDIATE" AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT IN ORDER TO BE COVERED?
No. If death (from a covered accident) occurs within 180 days and is the direct result of the original accident, benefits are paid.

WHAT DISMEMBERMENT BENEFITS ARE PAYABLE?
The following benefits are payable as a lump sum:

FAMILY BENEFIT PROVISION:
A TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT FOR THE SPOUSE* OF AN ABA MEMBER AND ALSO A TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT FOR ALL OF YOUR UNMARRIED DEPENDENT CHILDREN UP TO AND INCLUDING THE AGE OF 26 IS NOW INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA COST!

* Provided the spouse is not already covered as a member of the ABA.

MUST DISMEMBERMENT TAKE PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DISMEMBERMENT BENEFITS?
No. Loss of sight or any dismemberment must result directly from and within 180 days after the day of the accident. Total loss of sight shall consist of loss of sight to at least industrial blindness level. Loss of thumb and/or finger must be at least to the first joint. Loss of arm must be at or above the wrists. Loss of the leg must be at or above the ankle. Lump sum payments will be made in lieu of temporary benefits, less any sum as may have been paid as daily benefits.

AM I COVERED OUTSIDE THE WORKPLACE?
Yes. Benefits are paid whether injury from a covered accident occurs on or off the job.

AM I COVERED IF I'M BEING PAID FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS?
Yes. Benefits are payable regardless of any other compensation received.

IS THIS CERTIFICATE IN FORCE WHILE I'M ON DUTY AS AN ACTIVE MILITARY RESERVIST?
Yes. If the period of active duty is not more than 30 consecutive days.

IS THIS CERTIFICATE IN FORCE IF I'M INJURED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES?
Yes. It is in effect worldwide, 24 hours a day.

CAN MY BENEFITS BE ASSIGNED TO A DOCTOR, HOSPITAL OR OTHER PERSONS?
No. Your benefits can only be paid to you or in the event of death, to your designated beneficiaries.

ARE LUMP SUM PAYMENTS DEDUCTED FROM THE FACE VALUE OF THE CERTIFICATE?
No. If for example, the member has received a total of $2,000 in daily benefits from previous claims and in addition to this a lump sum of $1,500 for an unrelated dismemberment, and years later suffers an (unrelated) accidental death, the member's beneficiary would receive the full value of $6,000 death benefit (Value Plan) and $24,000 death benefit (Advantage Plan).